Artist Jag Nagra has released an illustrated series entitled Lost Vaisakhi to commemorate the Vancouver and Surrey Nagar Kirtans, both of which have been cancelled for the 3rd consecutive year due to Covid-19. The series includes 10 illustrations featuring scenes that would be seen during the procession. Paired with some of the illustrations are quotes from community members about what they miss most

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

PITT MEADOWS – Artist Jag Nagra has released an illustrated series entitled Lost Vaisakhi to commemorate the Vancouver and Surrey Nagar Kirtans, both of which have been cancelled for the 3rd consecutive year due to Covid-19.

See the series at https://www.jagnagra.com/home/lost-vaisakhi

The series includes 10 illustrations featuring scenes that would be seen during the procession. Paired with some of the illustrations are quotes from community members about what they miss most.

Nagra says about the project, "During the first two years of the pandemic, it was a given that the Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan would be cancelled in Vancouver and Surrey.  In 2022, there was some hope that the parades could possibly come back and we could once again gather to celebrate in the streets. When it was announced that they were cancelled for a third consecutive year, I thought I could help people feel the sense of pride and nostalgia through my art. 

“The Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan is such an important celebration for Sikhs, but more than that, they're welcoming to people of all backgrounds and have played a huge role in the landscape of our cities."

What is Vaisakhi?

Vaisakhi, which takes place on April 14th this year is a day to celebrate 1699 - the year when Sikhism was born as a collective faith through the teachings of the Sikh guru.